A/N: I'm sorry that this chapter took a week to put together, but I wanted to make sure everything I wanted in here was here. This is definitely the longest chapter to date, and it is full of development. In fact, this chapter pretty much sets the rest of the story in motion. In this chapter, there is a lot to process, and its definitely a chapter you may need to read another time. Every sentence is filled with information and history, so be on the lookout.
Milly Ashford hadn't been here in 8 years.
The Ashford Tower was one of the most important and glorious buildings in the Pendragon capital. It was built by her great-grandfather Rutherford Byron Ashford decades ago as a safe haven for both the family and its research. When Empress Marianne became a benefactor of the Ashford Foundation, the building was renovated to including a full-stock laboratory that would house the Knightmare Frame prototypes such as the Ganymede. After she was murdered, the building was seized by the Royal Family after the Ashford's exile.
Now, thanks to Lelouch, she was finally able to return to her family home. Her family's nobility would finally be restored, and the stigma of her surname would finally be erased.
The building was surprisingly well-kept, considering the original owners hadn't stepped foot in it for nearly a decade. Everything Milly remembered about the hallways and the rooms remained the same; it was as if it was frozen in time.
She made her way through the halls of the immense building, memories flooding back with every step. Finally, she ended up in the Ashford Hall of Fame; a large room holding portraits of the most important members and benefactors of the Ashford Foundation. She only recognized four out of the hundreds of them. There was a portrait of her parents, Earl and Countess Ashford, tacked on the far left side of the main wall. On the far right side of the main wall was her grandfather Ruben K. Ashford, the superintendent of the Ashford Academy in Area 11.
Near the middle of the wall was a portrait of the late Empress Marianne vi Britannia, Lelouch's mother and the most important benefactor and test pilot in the Foundation. Her death singlehandedly destroyed her family, as it did Lelouch. She wasn't someone who speculated, but she just couldn't understand how random terrorism could've been behind a death that changed everything.
The last familiar portrait was of the 95th Emperor of Britannia, Frederick von Britannia. He was the father of the current Emperor, Charles Di Britannia. Emperor Frederick and her great-grandfather were good friends, and his place in the royal court gave the Ashford family its nobility. It was another curious situation; how could a family already rooted with the Royal Family be exiled so easily? Whenever Milly asked about the Emperor, she was brickwalled with excuses and lies.
Looking at Emperor Frederick now, it made her wonder exactly what kind of the relationship her family and the royal family had.
It didn't take long for the focus of the Imperial Family Dinner to switch to politics. Before the second course was brought out, the princes and Cornelia were already discussing the strength of Area 18, the former Middle Eastern Federation which was recently annexed by Britannia. Only Lelouch remained silent, preferring to listen as his older siblings verbally dueled, primarily to impress their Father sitting at the head of the table.
Lelouch gathered from the conversations a lot about the male members of his family. The only male sibling who could possibly exceed him in intellect was Schneizel. He possessed both charisma and grace, a combination which could prove lethal if used correctly. He made debating seem easy, dismantling William's argument about the Chinese Federation easily as he cut a piece of his filet mignon. It was that kind of finesse under pressure that made his campaigns as the Prime Minister of Britannia extremely successful. Save for the Emperor, there was no member of the Royal Family with more political strength that Schneizel el Britannia.
William de Britannia was another story. Although he spoke of politics with a surprising ease, he knew almost nothing of concrete importance about the infrastructure of the Empire. Every time he made a statement, either Schneizel or even Cassius would counter it. It was quite embarrassing, watching a man in his twenties being corrected and defeated by a pompous teenager. The good thing about William was that he posed no real threat to anyone.
Odysseus, the Crown Prince of Britannia, was considered by many to be the weakest member of the Britannian males, and the least fit to rule. Yet, it seemed like he had a good, even thorough, understanding of the political structures of Britannia and other nations. What Odysseus lacked was the magnetism that Schneizel possessed. There was no way that he could command an army, which is why his role was restricted to dealings within the city. He seemed like nothing but a figurehead, but Lelouch knew better. Things aren't always as they seem, and it seems like the case is most true with Odysseus. He would definitely keep an eye on his oldest brother.
The sixth prince, Edward zi Britannia, had very little understanding of foreign policy, but that was because he was the mayor of the Imperial City. He has rarely left the homeland, leaving him at a considerable disadvantage compared to his other brothers. Still, he was a strong-willed person, and never gave up with a powerful fight. Finally, there was Cassius le Britannia, the brat of the Family. He was educated, like every member of the Royal Family, but he was very naïve about the world. He behaved like a pampered prince, and therefore his knowledge also represented one. It was probably the biggest reason why Cassius seemed to feed on every word Schneizel spoke. He almost always agreed with him, trying to impress his older brother. It was quite humorous to see how disinterested Schneizel was in him.
"The situation with Area 18 needs serious attention," William stated matter-of-factly. "We can't let the terrorist continue with their acts, can we?"
"I wiped out the majority of their military forces when I established Area 18," Cornelia countered. "The rebellion is nothing to be concerned about."
"How are you so sure, Cornelia?" Odysseus asked. "The same was done with Area 11, and then, out of nowhere, Zero appears."
"It took Zero seven years to come out from the woodwork, Brother," Cornelia said. "Before him, any acts of rebellion were easily thwarted. Area 18 was just established a few months ago. I wouldn't consider it a serious issue."
"What do you think, Lelouch?" Schneizel asked, tapping his brother on the shoulder.
"Yes, Lelouch," Cornelia said, crossing her arms and sitting back in her chair. "You are one of the best strategists in the family, if I can remember from our childhood. What do you think of Area 18?"
"I happen to agree with Cornelia. The chances of the Eighteens having any kind of serious strength are minimal."
"And what makes you so sure of that?" Cassius asked.
"I was in Area 11 when Britannia took it over, Cassius. I saw what happened firsthand. The people's spirits were utterly destroyed. Their resources were plundered. When we took over Japan, we ruined them. It took them years to even find a bit of normalcy. If the conquering of Area 18 was anything like Japan, there won't be retaliation for a long time."
"Why if that isn't the biggest load of-"
"I agree with Lelouch," Schneizel said, interrupting Cassius. "Area 18 shouldn't be a priority at this point. Viceroy Charlotte is doing an amazing job, from what I've heard."
"Charlotte?" Nunnally asked, the first time she had spoken in awhile. "How is our sister?"
"She's doing very well," Edward responded. "She expressed her regret about not being able to attend the ceremony, but you two should be able to meet again soon."
"That's good," Nunnally sighed. "I really missed sister Charlotte."
Charlotte zi Britannia was the sixth princess and Edward's sister. She was known throughout the land for her empathic nature and her strong leadership skills. Before she became the Viceroy of Area 18, she was the head of the Imperial Academy, the school that many of the junior members of the Family attended, including Carline and Nunnally. They were Charlotte's favorites, a title Carline didn't like sharing with her incompetent sister.
"Not to say that I don't trust our sister's capabilities," Odysseus said, getting the conversation back on track. "I just feel we have to be careful with how we handle the dominions."
"You're too cautious, Brother," Schneizel said. "Trust me when I say Area 18 is not an issue."
"What about the Chinese Federation, then?" Odysseus countered. "Should we be worried about them?"
"Intelligence we've gathered from Area 11 suggests that the Chinese Federation is trying to make inroads within the colony," Cornelia explained.
"I plan on meeting with a member of the High Eunuchs in the coming weeks to discuss it," Schneizel added.
"I thought that Empress Tianzi was the head of state in the Federation?" Edward asked.
"She has no real power. The High Eunuchs really control things in the Chinese Federation. She is a sweet girl, though. She's a little bit younger than Carline and Nunnally, I believe."
"We should set up a play date with the three of them," William quipped.
"Absolutely not! There is no way I'm going to spend time with some girl from the Chinese Federation!" Carline declared.
"I think it would be fun," Nunnally said.
"Of course you would," Carline said, rolling her eyes.
"She would because she understands that kindness and respect are the key factors in diplomacy," Schneizel said. "I'm surprised you don't understand that, since Charlotte is an expert in it. I guess you could learn a few things from Nunnally."
"Whatever," Carline said, turning her attention to her plate. "I still don't want to."
The conversations were interrupted by the delivery of third and final course. As everyone began to consume their meals, Lelouch thought about his plan. His primary objective in returning to Britannia was to remove his father as the Emperor and free Japan from Britannian rule, fulfilling his promise to Suzaku. Reclaiming his right to the throne afforded him privileges that would aid him in achieving his goals, but it wasn't enough. Lelouch was not naïve enough to underestimate the Emperor. Charles was extremely powerful and knowledgeable, so accomplishing anything without it being detected would be difficult. That's why he needed Schneizel.
Schneizel el Britannia was the second most powerful person in Britannia. If they worked together, taking down the Emperor would be terribly easy. All Lelouch had to do was convince his brother to team up with him. Lelouch knew that Schneizel had his own plans for the Empire, and that he resented the Emperor for his growing disinterest in the day-to-day activities of the throne, constantly rerouted to either his children or the Knights of Rounds. There was also his devotion to Nunnally; all he had to do was convince Schneizel that Charles posed a danger to her, and that she wanted the people of Japan to be free. If all else failed, he would simply use Geass on Schneizel to get him to cooperate, and to reveal what he knew about Marianne's murder.
The plan would take some time, though. Lelouch needed to get closer to Schneizel and gain his trust, something that would not be easy. He also needed to assure Nunnally's safety, as well as Kallen and C.C.'s, something that Gino should be able to cover for him. He needed to be very cautious about his actions here. In Japan, when he was Zero, he pretty much had free reign to do whatever he pleased. Now, there were eyes watching his every move. If he moved too quickly, he would be found out, and it would be all over. He realized that larger risks accompany larger gains, and he wasn't about to lose everything because of one misstep.
"You know Lelouch," Schneizel said. "Your knowledge of Area 11 is more extensive than I realized."
"Well, I was there for 8 years, brother."
"And you are naturally observational. It's a good skill to have."
"Why thank you Schneizel," Lelouch said.
"It's a skill I hope you put to good use," Schneizel added.
"What do you mean by that?" Lelouch asked, noting the glint in his eye.
"You will see soon enough."
"It was a nice thing, what you did for Kururugi," Guilford said as Cornelia observed Euphemia and Suzaku talking.
"I didn't do it for him," Cornelia said, looking back to Guilford. "I did it for Euphie. I haven't seen her happy like this in a long time."
"Yes, the princess does seem to enjoy Kururugi's company," Guilford agreed as Euphemia and Suzaku laughed over something.
When Cornelia didn't say anything back, he asked, "Did I say something, Princess Cornelia?"
"Guilford," Cornelia said softly. "Do you think I should be worried about what Cassius said?"
"Your Highness, I mean no disrespect to Prince Cassius, but I think his comments were completely inappropriate, especially considering that Princess Euphemia is his sister."
"I don't want Euphie to get hurt," Cornelia said. "Suzaku has something to prove; I see it every time he shows up on the battlefield. I don't want her to get caught up in whatever personal issues he may have."
"May I be frank?" Guilford asked. She nodded, and he said, "I don't believe that Suzaku will hurt Princess Euphemia at all. In fact, I think they both could be very good for each other."
"Maybe…" Cornelia let her sentence drop off as she witnessed another little moment between them.
"To be honest, Princess, I envy Kururugi a bit."
Cornelia looked back at Guilford in surprise. "What do you mean? What could you possibly envy about Suzaku Kururugi?"
"I guess you can call it one of the curses of being a Britannian, but I envy Suzaku's ability to feel freely, without worrying about the consequences."
"Guilford…"
"Let Princess Euphemia and Kururugi find their own way," Guilford said. "It shouldn't be decided for them. They shouldn't have to have the choices of the past forced on them."
Cornelia looked away from Guilford's intense stare to see Euphemia and Suzaku talking, and a part of her could feel the slight twinge of a feeling she never usually let herself experience; regret.
"I can't believe that Princess Cornelia said that to her own brother," Suzaku whispered to a giggling Euphemia.
"She knows how much you mean to me, Suzaku," Euphemia said, looking back over to her sister.
"Euphie," Suzaku said softly. "Do you think what Cassius said was true?"
"Suzaku…"
"Princess, are people talking about you?" Suzaku asked firmly, although he feared the answer.
"Let them talk," Euphemia responded. "I'm not ashamed having you as my Knight and you shouldn't be either."
"I don't want you to compromise anything for me, Euphie."
"I'm not, Suzaku. People always talk, it's what they do. I wish you wouldn't worry about it."
"It's my job to worry about you, Euphie," Suzaku said warmly.
"If it is, then why are you staying here in Britannia longer?" Euphemia asked. "You do realize I am the Sub-Viceroy of Area 11, yes?"
"Lloyd wants to finish some adjustments on the Lancelot, and he needs access to all of the Britannian technology," Suzaku explained.
The truth was the Lancelot was only part of the reason. Suzaku insisted to Lloyd on extending the test runs for the new features of the Knightmare Frame, something that could've very well been accomplished in Area 11. Yet, Suzaku needed to stay in Britannia longer, to see exactly what Lelouch had planned. He couldn't let his best friend destroy himself to fulfill a promise he made years ago. Although he knew Lelouch usually thought out his plans, there was a chance that he forgot about the others who could be affected; Nunnally, their friends on the Student Council, Euphemia. Suzaku was going to keep an eye on Lelouch, and if he had to, he would step in.
Carline noticed the look that Cassius was giving Lelouch across the table. It was a look of both determination and anger. It was a look she hadn't seen in awhile, but it definitely didn't signify good things. Cassius used to be a very high-strung, passionate person who strictly followed his father's code. He held the nickname "Peril of Pendragon", for his somewhat wild antics, usually accompanied by the look. He had given that look to many people in his life, from someone as lowly as a maid to a high-ranking earl. However, age brought out a less enthusiastic side in him. Her brother was still quite cruel, but he didn't put as much effort into it anymore.
Since Lelouch returned, however, Carline could see that fire slowly begin to grow in Cassius' eyes. It may have been the promotion that Cassius was expecting from his father that spiked her brother's energy, but she was almost sure it was their half-brother. He was missing a good rival, and Lelouch vi Britannia fit the bill nicely.
"Forget about him, Brother," Carline said.
"Lelouch thinks he is so good," Cassius sneered. "He isn't worth the ground we walk on, Carline."
"That's right!"
"He'll get what's coming to him," Cassius said, his tone darker. "When Father makes his announcement, he'll see who is really on top in this family."
"You're sure that the position will be given to you?" Carline asked.
"Of course," Cassius replied. "Who else is capable? I am made for that position, and by the end of this dinner, it will be mine."
"His Majesty The Emperor is going to make an announcement."
Arianna's voice interrupted the conversations and personal thoughts of all the members at the table. Everyone turned toward the head of the table, looking at the Emperor sitting in the large chair. Taking a deep breath, he began his speech.
"I would first like to welcome my children Lelouch and Nunnally vi Britannia back into the Empire. It is good to see the Britannian spirit remaining alive. Their returns have significantly changed everything. Plans that I had put into motion were changed to consider them, and I would like to explain those now."
"Nunnally will remain here in Britannia with close supervision, after a reported kidnapping in Area 11. Her primary security will be Lord Gino Weinberg, the Knight of Three. He will accompany her on any and all visits. Is that understood, Gino?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Gino replied.
"Good. As for Lelouch, I have very specific plans. He showed his considerable understanding of foreign politics here tonight, and it, along with recommendations, has convinced me of my choice. Lelouch, for the time being, shall be appointed the Ambassador of the Britannian Empire for the Foreign States, under direct instruction from Schneizel, the Prime Minister."
"Your Majesty!" Cassius exclaimed as he jumped out of his seat.
"Sit down Cassius, or I will have you in contempt of royalty," Charles said loudly, making the point very clear. His face still red from both embarrassment and anger, Cassius returned to his seat.
"This is a decision I do not take lightly," Charles said firmly. "Only the best can lead, and Lelouch has shown that he is capable of doing so. Effective tomorrow morning, Lelouch vi Britannia will carry the title of Ambassador of the Britannian Empire for the Foreign States and will assist Prince Schneizel in his endeavors as the Prime Minister of Britannia. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," everyone replied, but Lelouch.
He sat in his chair, looking at the Emperor with complete shock. It seemed almost impossible that he played into his hands that easily. His father, who exiled him so easily to Japan, just gave him one of the most influential positions in Britannia, working with person he needed for his plans.
"I told you your usefulness would reveal itself in time," Schneizel whispered. "Welcome aboard, little brother."
Lelouch's eyes remained on his father. Are you testing me, father?
Charles, while Empress Arianna was saying something to him, looked at his young son Lelouch, the returned 11th prince of the throne. He could see the unnerved look on his face, as if everything he planned just fell apart. Lelouch had much more to understand about how things in Britannia worked. He needed to understand that nothing is ever as it really seems. He wasn't a child anymore renouncing his claim to the throne, and if he had to learn his lessons the hard way, so be it.
I challenge you, Lelouch; show me what you have gained in the last 8 years, Charles thought.
So, what did you think of this chapter? What predictions do you have/what do you want to see happen? Anything you don't particularly care for? Don't forget to read and review!